Arnold is home to this holiday home. Balancing Rock and Whale Rock are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Lake Alpine. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling.
Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Lake Alpine - 8 min drive - 7.6 km
Bear Valley Ski - 8 min drive - 7.6 km
Calaveras Big Trees State Park - 41 min drive - 42.4 km
Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course - 51 min drive - 51.7 km
Getting around
Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL) - 118 min drive
Restaurants
Lake Alpine Lodge - 6 min drive
Kofi Haus - 7 min walk
Monte Wolfe Saloon - 10 min drive
Ebbetts Grill - 10 min drive
Meadow Cafe - 19 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Play Outside/Relax Inside at Our Modern Retreat, Ursa Major have a pool?
Yes, this property has a pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Play Outside/Relax Inside at Our Modern Retreat, Ursa Major?
As of 8 November 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Play Outside/Relax Inside at Our Modern Retreat, Ursa Major on 9 November 2026 start from NZ$2,748, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Play Outside/Relax Inside at Our Modern Retreat, Ursa Major pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much is parking at Play Outside/Relax Inside at Our Modern Retreat, Ursa Major?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Play Outside/Relax Inside at Our Modern Retreat, Ursa Major?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Play Outside/Relax Inside at Our Modern Retreat, Ursa Major?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Play Outside/Relax Inside at Our Modern Retreat, Ursa Major located?
Set amidst the mountains, this ski-in/ski-out holiday home in Arnold is within a 15-minute walk of Sierra Nevada Conservancy and Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company, and is convenient for winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and sledging. Bear Valley Ski and Lake Alpine are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a great stay. The house had everything we needed from a kayak to beach chairs and games. The host was amazing, thoughtful, helpful and very understanding.She definitely exceeded our expectations. Thank you for the lovely stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 October 2026
Ah, thank you so much Michelle! So glad everything worked out.
Well loved cabin and it shows! Bonnie is an incredible host and she really cares that her guests enjoy their stay. Nice quiet street and the big windows in the living room are amazing. We skied everyday and worked on puzzles in the late afternoons. It's really a perfect place to stay.
We always feel so at home at Bonnie’s house. Have been coming up to play in the snow for the last 5 yrs. and always stay at Bonnie’s. The house is so comfortable and always well stocked! Thank you for your great hospitality and looking forward to our next stay:)
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 February 2026
Thank you, Theresa! You and Jim are the most amazing guests - chopping kindling, shoveling a path, fixing the fireplace handle - I feel like we should be paying you to stay with us! Still want to have that dinner together in the summer sometime!
The house is great and Bonnie is an amazing host! There was a very well stocked kitchen, comfortable spaces, clean and well organized. What a great experience. We will definitely be back!
Ursa Major is a comfortable, cozy, lovely cabin in a beautiful setting. The owners provide a well stocked and well organized home away from home. Host was incredibly helpful and responsive for any questions. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and plan to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 August 2025
Thank you, Joan! It was a pleasure to have you. Hope to host you again.
A very comfortable home.The kitchen was well stocked and the large dining room table created a wonderful gathering place.The communication with the owners was excellent.A place we would look forward to staying at again.
It was a great place to stay. Cozy, clean and well prepared for winter stay. The landlord was very helpful!! The location was perfect for all winter activities my family enjoyed. I will definitely visit this place again.
Really enjoyed our stay. The cabin is very cool. Easy check-in, fully stocked kitchen, comfortable beds, solid internet and very clean. Bonnie was also very helpful and communicative.
The owner was very organized and the house was clean, organized, cozy and just awesome! The roads were closed when we were checking out and the owner was super helpful, responsive, generous! Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you Phuong! Sorry you got to experience the very rare Hwy 4 closure (the first in our 2.5 years of owning this house) AND the power outage! Thanks for staying calm and for leaving the house in such good shape.
Really enjoyed our stay…. Bear Valley is a bit quirky so we didn’t know what to expect about not being able to drive to the cabin, but it actually was quite pleasant of a walk to and from the village. The bed situation was perfect for our 2 families of four (4 adults, 4 kids). Kitchen had a lot of what we needed and the living area was cozy. Would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 January 2025
“Quirky” it is! Glad you enjoyed your first winter stay in Bear Valley!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Ursa Major. The cabin is thoughtfully designed, well stocked and very organized. It was the perfect base for day hikes and a very comfortable place to hang out. Bonnie is a welcoming host who made sure we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 25 December 2022
Thank you so much, David! We appreciate the very kind words. So glad you had a good time!
We loved our stay. The house is well kept, the wood stove was delightful, and Bonnie was responsive answering any questions that popped up. No car access is part of the adventure, and it was fun skiing down to the parking lot every morning. Great fit for families.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 February 2024
Thank you, Robert! Really appreciate that coming from another host! Best, Bonnie
The place is so spacious and comfortable, has a well-supplied kitchen, and plenty of indoor entertainment to rest up from the incredible mountain adventures that are readily accessible around Bear Valley!
Our family absolutely loved this cabin! It was perfect for our mountain getaway and family reunion down the road. We had everything we needed (and more)! Our host thought of everything! We can't wait to go back to this Bear Valley retreat!
Ursa Major was perfect for our hiking/kayaking vacation. The house is beautiful and has everything we needed. We loved the trees all around the house. And the hiking recommendations in the notebook were very helpful. We look forward to returning with our family on our next trip.